Wish Date ‘Twilight’ Concert Combines Live Music, Touching Short Film

‍

The seventh installment of KDR Music House’s Wish Date concert series, “Twilight,” gave audiences a unique concert experience, intertwining live music from top-notch OPM acts and a moving short film. The concert was held at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on April 9, 2023.

The short film follows the lives of best friends Diana and Jennifer, whose friendship was put to the test when their former college classmate, Edward, entered their lives once again. The film, which stars Mary Joy Apostol, Ayra Mariano, and Teejay Marquez, was punctuated with heart-tugging live musical performances from the country’s rising and well-loved OPM acts.

‍

‍

Singer-songwriter Peniel and budding singer Hakki opened the concert with a duet of Elton John’s “Circle Of Life.” The young musical acts also performed Dionne Warwick’s “I Say A Little Prayer” and Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend.”

On her solo performance, Hakki gave her own spin to Irene Cara’s “Out Here On My Own,” The Corrs’ “Breathless,” and ABBA’s “Super Trouper” and “Take A Chance On Me.”  

In an interview, the rising act expressed her gratitude to be one of the concert performers. “I feel thankful po to God, first of all. And I feel honored po makasama po siyempre si Sir Raymond and si Ms. Rachel po,” Hakki said in a C-News interview.

‍

‍

Wishcovery Originals grand winner Peniel returned onstage to perform Joey Albert’s “I Remember The Boy,” Gene Pitney’s “Looking Through The Eyes Of Love,” and Shirley Bassey’s “If You Go Away.”

As an artist who has been part of several Wish Date concert installments, Peniel shared that she enjoys learning about how other artists work onstage. “ I like working with other people and learning [about] how they perform onstage, how [their ways] differ [from] mine, and how I match [their] energy onstage. It’s really interesting seeing other people’s creative processes,” Peniel said in an interview.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Meanwhile, iconic Filipino band Freestyle, OPM pop diva Rachel Alejandro, and OPM hitmaker Raymond Lauchengco treated everyone to their OPM hits on their first-ever Wish Date stint.

‍

‍

Lauchengco crooned his well-loved OPM love songs, “So It’s You,” “Farewell,” and “I Need You Back.” He also sang “Growing Up,” the theme song of the 1984 teen movie “Bagets,” which prompted audience members to sing along and go on a trip down memory lane.

‍

‍

Meanwhile, Rachel belted out her popular songs, “Mr. Kupido,” “May Minamahal,” “Let the Pain Remain,” and “Paalam Na.” She also performed “Nakapagtataka,” a song that was popularized by her father, Hajji Alejandro.

In an interview, Alejandro shared her appreciation for the unique concept of the concert. “They combined the elements of a movie and [a] live concert. Nagiging soundtrack nung movie ‘yung mga kanta namin pero they’re performed live. So, medyo cool ‘yung parang pinag-combine ‘yung ganung concept,” said the OPM pop diva.

‍

‍

Freestyle capped off the show with some of their timeless hits: “Sabihin Mo Na,” “This Time,” and “Before I Let You Go.”

Freestyle’s lead vocalist Top Suzara wishes to be part of more musical events like “Twilight.” “Sana mas madalas natin gawin ‘yung mga ganito. Kasi masaya, masaya talaga at nakakapagdala ng mga taong nagtitipon-tipon, nagsasama-sama, kumakantang sama-sama, nag-ce-celebrate ng life — mga kwentong buhay at mga awiting sariling atin,” he said.  

‍

‍

Follow KDR Music House’s official Facebook page.

Watch a UNTV News and Rescue interview on what the short film stars have to say about their first-ever Wish Date experience here:

‍

‍

This event is presented by KDR Music House and co-presented by J&T Express Philippines — “Express your online business” with minor sponsors; C Square Telecom- Cartier Telecom — “Your Latest Gadget On Hand,” Lyndeson Gas Corporation, and Adlaon Optical; with partners Biocare — “Your reliable distributor of clinical laboratory equipment. Exceeding your expectations since 1983,” Leonardo’s Pizza Tradizionale, Segara Hotels Subic Bay, BES House of Chicken, Salut Manila, Daniel’s Coffee, KDR Adventure Camp, Morongstar Hotel and Resort, EFS Apparel, and Wisemen Insurance Agency; and media partners Wish 107.5, UNTV Radyo La Verdad, UNTV News and Rescue, Pitchworks Inc., and Globaltronics.

Written by Kenneth Valladolid

Editing by Pauline Bolaños

Photography by Kenneth Valladolid